Health Promotion Programs Research Articles

The Inquiring Mind Youth: Analysis of a Mental Health Promotion and Stigma Reduction Pilot Program for Secondary Students

The Inquiring Mind Youth: Analysis of a Mental Health Promotion and Stigma Reduction Pilot Program for Secondary Students

Pocket money and the risk of dental caries and oral pain in children

BackgroundTooth decay affects 40–90 % of children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), contributing to adverse consequences, including oral pain, difficulty focusing in school, lifelong dental problems, and overall lower quality of life. Few studies have examined the relationship between pocket money given to children, their purchase of sugary snacks and drinks with that money, and the risk for tooth decay. MethodsThis secondary cross-sectional analysis utilized data which were collected in 2014 as part of an oral health promotion program in rural El Salvador. A convenience sample of 279 children and their mothers who participated in the program were recruited to complete an interview with trained community health workers, and children received a dental examination from trained and licensed Salvadoran and U.S. dentists. Only children with teeth (primary, mixed, or permanent dentition) were included in this analysis; as such, children ranged in age from 6 months through 14 years. Descriptive, multivariate logistic regression, and Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial analyses were used to identify associations between pocket money given to children and three oral health outcomes: number of decayed, missing/extracted due to decay, and filled teeth (dmft for primary teeth and DMFT for permanent teeth); presence of deep decay; and occurrence of oral pain. ResultsOverall, almost two-thirds of children received daily pocket money with which over 70 % purchased unhealthy snacks/drinks; 83 % of children had tooth decay, with a mean dmft/DMFT of 6.0. After adjusting for covariates, receiving pocket money was associated with 0.18 (95 % CI: 0.05–0.54) times the odds of having zero-dmft/DMFT (i.e., being cavity-free) (p = 0.002). Among children with at least one decayed tooth, receiving pocket money was associated with 1.22 (95 % CI: 1.01–1.53) times the expected dmft/DMFT count (p = 0.04), 3.39 (95 % CI: 1.59–7.22) times the odds of deep decay (p < 0.001), and 2.66 (95 % CI: 1.24–5.70) times the odds of oral pain (p = 0.007) compared to children who did not receive pocket money. ConclusionInterventions to reduce the prevalence and severity of tooth decay should include nutrition and oral health education for children and families—including addressing pocket money and healthy vs. unhealthy purchases—in schools, communities, and primary health clinics; school programs to provide healthy foods and beverages for children; and enforcement of policies to prohibit the sale of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks in and around schools.

Health-based physical education in an elementary school: effects on physical self-concept, motivation, fitness and physical activity

ABSTRACT Background Promoting and developing health in Physical Education should not be limited to seeking to meet recommendations for physical activity and to increase motor competence or physical fitness, but should provide students with the motivation, confidence and knowledge required for them to be active for life. The Health-based Physical Education model (HbPE) is one of the most interesting models for health development. It takes a holistic perspective of health that is compatible with the salutogenic approach, where promoting and appreciating an active life is a core element (Haerens et al. 2011). Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a Health-based Physical Education programme on health-related factors (physical fitness and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), emotional well-being (self-esteem and physical self-concept), and motivational factors (intention to be physically active and the degree of self-determination during practice). Methods A quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test measures was applied to a sample composed of 131 schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 years (M = 10.87 ± 0.69) belonging to six randomly assigned class groups: three to the experimental group (n = 67) and three to the control group (n = 64). The experimental group participated in an intervention programme based on the HbPE model linked to a set of strategies to promote commitment, motivation and participation, while the control group completed a traditional programme for physical fitness improvement. As measures, we used Polar® HR monitors, the ALPHA-Fitness battery, the Motivation in Physical Education Questionnaire in Primary Education, the Intention to Be Physically Active Scale and the Pictorial Scale of Physical Self-Concept for Younger Children. Findings The experimental group showed higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and a significant increase in physical fitness, including a reduction in BMI. Moreover, this group presented improvements in socio-emotional self-esteem, intrinsic motivation and the intention to be physically active. Nevertheless, against our hypothesis, quantitative analyses indicated no differences in physical self-concept. Conclusion These results support the use of HbPE as a model for designing and implementing health-promoting programmes that are compatible with a salutogenic approach. Apart from increasing physical activity and improving physical fitness, such programmes would provide knowledge and attitudes to foster practice beyond school.

Prevalence of early childhood caries post covid-19 pandemic in Mumbai among children aged 3-5 years: A cross-sectional pilot study

This cross-sectional pilot study aims to investigate the prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) among children aged 3 to 5 years in Mumbai City, Maharashtra, following the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 91 children were included in the study, with ECC prevalence assessed through standardized examinations and dmfs scoring. Simple random sampling was employed, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. The study found a high prevalence of ECC (63.74%) among the study population, with no significant gender-based differences observed in ECC occurrence or severity. Despite similar ECC prevalence rates between boys and girls, the overall burden of ECC underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and preventive measures. The findings highlight the pressing oral health challenge faced by young children in urban settings post-pandemic and emphasize the importance of comprehensive oral health promotion programs and equitable access to preventive oral healthcare. Addressing modifiable risk factors and integrating oral health services into primary healthcare systems are essential steps toward improving oral health outcomes for children in Mumbai and similar urban environments.

Designing a Community-Based Health Promotion Program for Older Adults Based on Perceived Usefulness, Service Experience, Perceived Value, and Behavioral Intention

ABSTRACT Improving nutritional intake contributes to maintaining the health and quality of life of the older population and reducing individual and societal healthcare costs. We collaborated with two community service hubs and a public health center in Taipei’s Daan District to develop a personalized community-based health and nutrition program using service design. The design was validated through a model encompassing perceived usefulness, service experience, perceived value, and behavioral intention, analyzed using PLS-SEM modeling on 76 individuals. The results showed bidirectional influences among these factors. This study provides practical recommendations for formulating public health policies and health promotion programs for older adults.

Determinants of Oral Hygiene Status among Adolescents in Jember, Indonesia

Background: Oral health problems affected 55.6% of adolescents aged 10-14 in Indonesia. This can be prevented by maintaining oral hygiene. Many physical and psychological changes happen in the adolescent phase, and more attention is needed to maintain oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is influenced by various factors, including demographic and socioeconomic factors. Objectives: This study aimed to determine factors associated with oral hygiene among adolescents in Jember, Indonesia. Method: There were 409 students from eight different junior secondary schools in Jember Regency as participants in this study. The sample was obtained using the cluster random sampling method. Data on oral hygiene as a dependent variable was collected through the OHI-S examination. Data on sex, school, ethnicity, mother and father education, father and mother employment, monthly income, and number of children as independent variables was gathered from questionnaires and students' data from the school database. First, a univariate Spearmen test was run for all independent variables (p&lt;0.05). The significant variables were then analyzed using multiple regression to determine factors associated with oral hygiene (p&lt;0.05). Results: The average OHI-S score was 2.53, which was categorized as moderate. Multivariate analysis results showed that females were more likely to have better OHIS-S scores than males (B=-0.716; p=0.000); ethnic Javanese were more likely to have better OHI-S scores than Maduranese (B=0.293; p=0.004); and middle-income students more likely have better OHI-S than low-income students (B=-0.307; p=0.003). Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that adolescents' socioeconomic background is associated with their oral hygiene. This suggests the need to give more attention to a new model of oral health promotion programs targeting gender, ethnicity, and lower-income groups.

Evaluation of knowledge and practice of pediatricians about Early Childhood Caries in Tehran, Iran

background: Despite efforts for improvement of oral health in the world during recent years, dental caries remained one of the most common chronic diseases in the childhood. One of the most important factors that can play a significant role in the success of oral health promotion programs is the adherence and collaboration of non dental staff of pediatric health providers such as pediatricians.&#x0D; Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate pediatricians' knowledge and practice regarding oral health and its related factors.&#x0D; Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2020, 90 pediatricians that were working in Tehran city participated. A newly designed valid and reliable questionnaire comprised of three sections of demographics (8 questions), knowledge (30 questions) and practice (8 questions) was provided to the participants. The knowledge questions consisted of five domains about primary teeth (8 questions), dental visits (3 questions), dental caries determinants (8 questions), eating habits (7 questions), and fluoride (4 questions). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22. The significance level was considered to be less than 0.05 (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Results: The participants (n=90) had an average age of 45.96 ± 9.75 years (ranged 30-76 years) and 60 percent of them were women. The mean of their knowledge score was 20.10 ±4.45 (out of a maximum 30) and for the practice, it was 15.51 ± 3.49 (out of a maximum 24). Receiving oral health training courses during education period was significantly associated with the higher knowledge of the physicians (r = 0.20, p = 0.04). Furthermore, interest in learning (r = 0.20, p = 0.04) and presence of dentists among their relatives and friends (r = 0.21, p = 0.03) were significantly related to better oral health practice of the studied pediatricians. There was no difference in pediatricians’ knowledge and practice according to age and gender.&#x0D; Conclusion: In general, the knowledge and practice of pediatricians about oral health and prevention of dental caries for their patients was not satisfactory. The associations between higher knowledge and practice with recieving the oral health training courses during education period, interest in learning and other motivations such as presence of a dentist among relatives, casts light on the importance of training such professional health staff to promote oral health in the childhood.

Empowering Underserved Communities in Southern Puerto Rico: A Formal Training Program in Community Health Promotion

Community health promotion offers a potential solution to persistent healthcare challenges, with community health workers playing a pivotal role. The Community Training Institute for Health Disparities (CTIHD) implemented a problem-solving curriculum in Community Health Promotion, integrating a competency-based learning model through two courses: Introduction to Community Health Promotion and Design of an Action Plan for the Promotion of Community Health. Each course comprised ten three-hour sessions, featuring pre/post-tests, evaluations, and a cognitive debriefing. Knowledge change was assessed using pre/post-test scores among 27 community leaders from southern Puerto Rico. Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 demonstrated an overall retention rate of 62.6% and 96.7%, respectively. Although differences in knowledge gained between cohorts and courses weren’t statistically significant, a trend toward increased knowledge was noted. Cohort 1 experienced a 22% knowledge increase in Course 1 and a 24% increase in Course 2. Cohort 2 demonstrated a 41% knowledge increase in Course 1 and a 25% increase in Course 2. The CTIHD’s Community Health Promotion Program has made significant strides in elevating awareness and knowledge, marking a positive step toward reducing health disparities and fostering healthier, empowered communities in southern Puerto Rico.

Economic, Cultural, Social Determinants of Black Women Obesity

Obesity is a widespread problem in the United States, particularly affecting Black communities. It is a public health problem, a long-term, cumulative issue of economic and social justice and inequality for this demographic group. Thus, the key to solving it is to eliminate persistent structural root causes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, the prevalence of obesity among African American adults is 49.5%, with Black women having the highest prevalence compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive literature review that examines the multifaceted factors contributing to obesity among African American women, as well as systematise the determinants related to the economic well-being of the community, social factors, cultural patterns of lifestyle in the community, etc. The analysis revealed a clear inverse relationship between income and obesity among African Americans, with this trend being particularly pronounced among women than men and differing across age groups in black communities. The economic determinants of obesity in Black women are related to the fact that low-income households have limited access to affordable and nutritious food and are regularly exposed to stress related to financial difficulties, with so-called “food swamps” and “food deserts” being common in low-income areas. The social determinants of obesity are related to the fact that Black women face higher levels of racism and sexism than other demographic groups, and unequal social conditions cause structural disparities in health, education and employment. Psycho-social and cultural determinants (cultural norms of body image, social influencers, religion, social networks and family upbringing, etc.) play a key role in the emergence of the problem under study, so Black women often model their eating and physical activity habits by cultural traditions, and those who struggle with overweight may face stigma, social isolation and discrimination. The article makes recommendations for reducing obesity among Black women, which primarily relate to the development of culturally sensitive nutrition education programs, community-based health promotion programs, community-centered food policy advocacy, technology-based health platforms, public-private partnerships for affordable healthy food retail, etc.

Don’t be shame, be game! Responding to HIV and AIDS in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

This article explores the under-examined history of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities responded to HIV and AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s. When HIV emerged as a public health threat in Australia, Indigenous healthcare workers and community leaders developed and delivered health promotion programs that were highly successful in preventing the spread of the virus among their communities. These programs drew on the political principles of self-determination and community control, fought for by the Black activism of the preceding decades. This article follows the story of one healthcare worker, Aunty Gracelyn Smallwood, who was instrumental in advocating for and implementing the grassroots Indigenous response to the virus. A proud Birrigubba, Kalkadoon and South Sea Islander woman and registered nurse, Aunty Gracelyn’s outspoken advocacy took her from her hometown of Townsville all the way to the highest offices of Australia’s AIDS response, where she helped shape and implement a world-leading approach to HIV and AIDS prevention.

Conceptual framework for establishing twins prevention and continuous health promotion programme: a qualitative study

BackgroundTwin registries and cohorts face numerous challenges, including significant resource allocation, twins’ recruitment and retention. This study aimed to assess expert feedback on a proposed pragmatic idea for launching a...

Development of Respiratory Infection Prevention and Control Self-Efficacy Scale for Adults.

This study aimed to develop a scale for respiratory infection prevention and control self-efficacy (R-PACS) to measure self-efficacy in the prevention and control of the spread of respiratory infections among adults and to confirm the applicability of the developed scale by testing its validity and reliability. This methodological study was conducted in two phases. During the first phase, the R-PACS scale was developed after conducting a thorough literature review, content validity, and a pilot test. In the second phase, its validity and reliability were verified against 210 university students in Korea. The criterion validity of the developed R-PACS scale was tested using the correlation with resilience scale. Item analysis, explanatory factor analysis, and convergent and discriminant validity analyses were conducted in order to verify construct validity. Furthermore, Cronbach's α was used to verify internal consistency reliability. The final version of the R-PACS scale comprises 4 factors and 16 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Higher scores are interpreted as higher levels of self-efficacy in the prevention and control of respiratory infection. The R-PACS scale exhibited good content validity, construct validity, criterion validity, and reliability. The correlation coefficient of the four factors was ≥.4, confirming the validity of item convergence; meanwhile, the Cronbach's α coefficient for the final 16 items of the developed scale was 0.923, verifying reliability. This scale consists of four factors: "environmental management", "contact restrictions", "general infection prevention and control", and "early detection". The applicability of the R-PACS scale exhibited acceptable validity and reliability. This scale can be utilized to assess and evaluate the degree of self-efficacy in the prevention and control of respiratory infections among adults. Data obtained using this scale can be utilized for preparing health behavior change and health promotion programs, and practical policies for preventing respiratory infections.

Characterize and Address Mental health Problems in University Students (CAMPUS Study): preliminary results

Introduction The transition phase from late adolescence to early adulthood, which corresponds with the period of university life, is a time that offers important opportunities for personal growth. However, this developmental phase also concurs with the peak period of risk for the onset of mental health disorders. For this reason, the literature clearly identifies university students as a vulnerable population group for psychogical distress and mental problems. Digital psychological interventions and e-mental health solutions are emerging as a promising solution for university students, particularly appealing due to their anonymity, portability and ease of access. Hence, the World Health Organisation has developed several psychosocial e-mental health tools including Doing What Matters in Times of Stress (DWM), which has been consistently shown effective in various vulnerable populations. These data provide the framework for the CAMPUS study that is intended for students attending the University of Verona.Objectives The main objective of this project is to adapt the WHO psychological intervention called “Doing What Matters in Times of Stress” (DWM) to this target population and to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of WHO’s DWM as a psychological strategy for effective mental health prevention and promotion, and for reducing psychological symptoms and distress in university students. Secondary objectives of the project include to evaluate the fidelity of DWM, to assess factors associated with its implementation and effectiveness and to co-create the necessary local conditions for implementation and up-scaling of DWM.MethodsThe CAMPUS study is a prospective non-randomized follow-up study. The target population is composed by university students of University of Verona, Italy. The online assessments, which are collected pre and post intervention, consist of an ad-hoc sociodemographic information page, and four self-administered questionnaires assessing psychological distress, depression and anxiety symptoms, and psychological well-being. In addition, implementation checklists will be administered to assess the acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of the intervention.ResultsPreliminary results on a sample of 300 students attending University of Verona show that the adapted DWM intervention promote students’ psychological well-being and reduce the level of psychological distress as well as the risk for the later development of a psychopathology. Moreover we expect that future results would include data on the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of the adapted DWM intervention among university studentsConclusionsThese results provide valuable information for mental health promotion and support programs for university students, as well as insights into factors influencing its implementation and suggestions for future scaling of the intervention.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Spatial Clusters of High Prevalences of Overweight and Obesity Among Children in Indonesia.

Objective Childhood obesity has emerged as a pressing health concern in both high-income and lower-middle-income countries, including Indonesia. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children aged 5-12 years has been increasing in Indonesia, with 20% of Indonesian children identified as obese or overweight in 2018. Therefore, addressing this problem will be challenging. This study aims to identify district- and city-level clusters with high prevalences of overweight and obese children aged 5-12 years in Indonesia. Methodology This is an ecological study that utilizes secondary data from the 2018 Basic Health Research report conducted by the Indonesian Ministry of Health. We included 514 districts and cities to detect district- and city-level clusters. Spatial cluster analysis was performed using restricted flexible scan statistics to identify clusters with high prevalences of childhood overweight and obesityin Indonesian districts and cities. Results The findings reveal that childhood overweight and obesity are not randomly distributed. The study detected 20 clusters with high prevalences of childhood overweight and 36 clusters of obesity, with a particular concentration in Western Indonesia. A primary cluster of childhood overweightoccurred in Sijunjung, Tanah Datar, Agam, Pasaman, South Solok, Dharmasraya, West Pasaman, Sawah Lunto City, Padang Panjang City, and Kampar. A primary cluster of obesity occurred in Mandailing Natal, South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, North Tapanuli, Labuhan Batu, North Padang Lawas, Padang Lawas, North Labuhan Batu, West Pasaman, and Rokan Hilir. Conclusions This study found 20 clusters with high prevalences of childhood overweight and 36 clusters of obesity in Indonesia. Implementing health promotion programs in the identified cluster regions will be crucial to effectively addressing the growing problem of childhood obesity in Indonesia.

A Qualitative Study of Preschool Children's Perspectives on an Oral Health Promotion Program in New South Wales, Australia.

In Australia, dental caries are observed in almost half of children starting school. Oral health promotion programs are being implemented in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings to promote oral health. This study examined children's perceptions of one such program, the Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF) program in ECEC settings in New South Wales, Australia. Data were collected using focus group discussions from 15 children aged 3-5 years, transcribed verbatim, and analysed through inductive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified as follows: (i) oral health knowledge of children, (ii) oral hygiene practices routine and skills development, and (iii) evaluation of the oral health promotion kit and opportunities for improvement. Children's perspectives highlight the BSBF program's success in communicating key messages to promote oral health. The integration of family-centric approaches, acknowledgement of children's preferences, and the use of interactive tools collectively enhance the overall effectiveness of the oral health promotion program.

Pilot evaluation of a behavioral weight loss program for adults with physical disabilities: State of Slim Everybody usability and feasibility.

People with physical disabilities (PWD) have a higher prevalence of obesity than populations without disability, but most evidence-based weight loss programs have not included this population. The State of Slim (SOS) program is an evidence-based weight loss program that has demonstrated success in producing weight loss in populations without disability, but it has not been adapted for or evaluated in PWD. The SOS program was systematically adapted using the evidence-informed Guidelines, Recommendations, and Adaptations Including Disability (GRAIDs) framework. A total of 35 participants enrolled in the State of Slim Everybody program. The program was offered entirely online. Body weight, attendance, and food log completion were also tracked weekly. The program length was 16.5h and included weekly group instruction, with optional one-on-one sessions provided upon request. Following completion, participants completed post-evaluation surveys on overall satisfaction with the program. The primary outcomes were program effectiveness (i.e., body weight), usability, and feasibility. Thirty-two out of 35 participants completed the program, representing a retention rate of 91.4%. Average weight loss was 10.9% (9.9±0.7kg (t (31)=-13.3, p =< 0.0001)). On a 1 (dissatisfied/completely useless) to 5 (very satisfied/completely helpful) Likert scale, the average score for overall program satisfaction was 4.8±0.1 and program helpfulness 4.6±0.1. The State of Slim Everybody program demonstrated significant weight loss and good usability and feasibility in PWD. Existing adaptation frameworks can be used to create inclusive health promotion programs for adults with physical disabilities.

Role of Grassroots Public Health Leadership in Bedouin Society in Israel in Reducing Health Disparities.

Negev Bedouin settlements suffer from poor infrastructure, and the population's health status is low across all indicators. While it is difficult for Bedouin citizens of Israel to integrate into the Israeli employment market, integrating this population into the health system is far-reaching. The aim of this study is to analyze the barriers and motivational factors experienced by Bedouin doctors to promote public health in the Bedouin community in southern Israel and to examine the perceptions these doctors have around the concept of leadership in a public health setting. We conducted semi-structured interviews with Bedouin doctors from the Negev Bedouin community and analyzed them using thematic analysis. Most interviewees saw themselves as leaders whose role was to improve public health in their community. They stressed the need for health leadership in Negev Bedouin society, and their desire to lead change in the community from within. All interviewees had grown used to a different way of life and a higher standard of living, and as a result, had difficulty returning home. Interviewees presented that trust in the health system is a critical factor for the success of health promotion programs. However, they noted the evolving trends of general mistrust in the government and its institutions that form the infrastructure for mistrust in the health system. Lack of time and workload were barriers to exercising leadership. Interviewees reported their perception of how socioeconomic status, the standard of living, and lack of infrastructure, education, and training affect health outcomes and collaboration potential. This study presents a unique perspective on the views of doctors from the Negev Bedouin population on their involvement with grassroots leadership as a strategy to reduce health disparities in this community.

산불 특수진화대의 업무 만족 실태 분석 및 개선방안 연구

In recent years, the global escalation and prolonged nature of wildfires have exacerbated challenges in recruiting and retaining wildland firefighters, leading to increased job aversion and turnover rates. To address this issue, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Forest Service have actively conducted surveys and research to improve the duties and well-being of wildland firefighters, expanding specialized training, increasing wages, and implementing health promotion programs through additional budget allocation for wildfire management. However, domestically, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the job satisfaction and appropriateness of organizational structures for wildland firefighters. This study analyzes job satisfaction among domestic wildland firefighters through a survey (correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, independent sample t-tests, regression analysis, etc.) and proposes solutions for identified issues by referencing U.S. wildfire management policies. Recommendations focus on enhancing the treatment and job satisfaction of domestic wildland firefighters.

Effects of Oral Exercise Towards Salivary Flow Rate In Elderly: An Interventional Study

Elderly population is increasing globally. The percentage of elderly people in Indonesia reached 9.60 percent. The Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has the highest number of elderly people, which is 14.02. One of the oral health problems of elderly is dry mouth. Saliva is an important aspect needed to maintain oral health. Reduced saliva can cause various diseases. Simple and effective interventions are needed to improve salivary conditions in the elderly, namely oral health promotion by doing oral exercises which considered to maintain and improve oral function which is an important factor of quality of life. This research to determine the effect of a health promotion program with an intervention of oral exercise on salivary flow rate in the elderly at nine PKU Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah clinics with audiovisual media accompanied by leaflet media. This study was conducted at PKU Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Pratama clinics in Yogyakarta. There are Berbah, Pakem, Firdaus, Cangkringan, Moyudan, Srandakan, Bambanglipuro, Wates and Sewugalur with 198 prolanis participants with total sampling. The research design is a quasi experimental nonequivalent control group design, with an intervention group and a control group, both groups are given before and after the intervention, , using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann Whitney U test analysis. Oral exercise intervention with audiovisual media and leaflet can increase salivary flow rates in the elderly

Interplay of Sleep Quality, Insomnia and Quality of Life in Individuals Undergoing Hemodialysis

Insomnia is the most commonly occurring disorder of sleep experienced by individuals with chronic kidney disease. It is associated with physical and psychological health issues specifically the ones on hemodialysis. Objective: To find out the frequency of insomnia in individuals undergoing hemodialysis and to examine the relationship between sleep quality and quality of life. Methods: It was a cross sectional study and non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for selecting the sample of patients undergoing hemodialysis from a dialysis center of Lahore. The sample consisted of both men and women (N=100) with age range 40 and above (M=51.40, SD=7.25). Insomnia, general sleep scale and quality of life scale were used to collect data from the participants. Results: Insomnia was found to be prevalent in 6% of the patients. Quality of Life (QOL) was significantly poor in individuals with insomnia and poor sleep quality as compared to the ones with better sleep. Older age, increasing duration of hemodialysis and poor sleep quality were significant predictors of quality of life in our sample. Conclusions: Insomnia and/or poor-quality sleep have a detrimental effect on patients’ quality of life in kidney disease. These findings can provide basis for awareness campaigns and health promotion programs aimed at timely diagnosis and management of insomnia and improvement in sleep quality as well as quality of life in individuals undergoing hemodialysis